Portable wind barrier for a field stove

ABSTRACT

A portable wind barrier for a field stove comprised of a plurality of interconnected panels. The interconnected panels are typically rectangular and planar. The interconnected panels are interconnected, with hinges on the long edge of the panel. The portable wind barrier for a field stove can be configured into a closed surface, surrounding and encircling the fire. The present invention is fabricated from environmentally durable, heat resistant material.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the class of stoves and furnaces and the sub-classification for field stoves. Specifically, this invention relates to a portable wind barrier for use with a field stove.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A field stove or furnace is one that has the fire built on the ground or in an earthen pit. Sometimes this is referred to as a bottomless stove, since the fire is being built upon the ground. There are many different recreational uses for a field stove, such as cooking while camping, cooking at the beach, or while preparing deep-fried food such as turkeys.

Additionally, in many surroundings, people use fires for warmth while outdoors. Fires at the beach or while camping are both common.

The problem with either a field stove or a warming fire is that the wind can blow out the fire, or misdirect the flames. Wind can make it nearly impossible to start and kindle an outdoor fire. Additionally, when using a field stove, the wind can significantly affect the efficiency and effectiveness of such a fire, by causing the flame to be misdirected. In other words, the wind blows the flame in such a way that the flame is no longer effectively providing heat to the items being cooked.

In order to improve the field stove experience, a solution to the wind problem is needed. Since the wind can shift directions, the solution should be capable of encircling the fire. However, the solution should allow the user to set the invention around less than the complete fire, to allow the user to access the fire. Additionally, when used with a camp or beach fire, the invention should allow a wind-break while still allowing warming access to the fire. Last, such a solution has to be portable and easily transported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is intended to disclose the present invention, a portable wind barrier for a field stove. The embodiments and descriptions are used to illustrate the invention and its utility, and are not intended to limit the invention or its use.

The portable wind barrier for a field stove prevents the wind from unduly blowing or interfering with the fire. The portable wind barrier for a field stove is positioned about the fire, enclosing the fire. The portable wind barrier weighs a maximum of 20 lbs. The portable wind barrier has a maximum height of 2.5 ft and a maximum length of 10 ft.

The portable wind barrier for a field stove is comprised of a plurality of interconnected panels fabricated from a temperature resistant, strong material, such as steel, aluminum, or a laminar, heat-resistant material. The preferred shape for the panels is rectangular, with all the interconnected panels being of identical size. The interconnected panels have a substantially planar surface with two long edges and two short edges. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the long edge to the short edge. The interconnected panels are connected to one another along the long edges of the panels using hinges. The preferred hinges are continuous, or piano, hinges that run the entire length of the interconnected panel. A continuous hinge allows the interconnected panels to be folded together for transport.

The portable wind barrier for a field stove has two end interconnected panels. Each end interconnected panel has a free edge. The two free edges can be connected to one another using a simple temporary connector, including, but not limited to, a hasp, latch, or rod and cylinder.

There should be at least three (3) interconnected panels to encircle a fire. From a practical standpoint, six (6) to eight ((8) interconnected panels are ideal, as it minimizes the wind that is normal to the face of the panels, and allows the portable wind barrier for a field stove to be positioned and contoured around the fire.

The maximum height of the portable wind barrier for a field stove is the length of the long edge of the interconnected panels. The maximum length of the portable wind barrier for a field stove is the length of the short edge of the interconnected panels multiplied by the number of interconnected panels.

A functional image is pressed or formed into the planar surface of each interconnected panel. The functional image provides both decoration and structural rigidity to the interconnected panels. By making the functional image out of a series of grooves, bumps and bend, the functional image will stiffen the panels. The imprinted sides of the functional image can be aligned so that, when folded, the functional images nest, reducing the overall package side of the portable wind barrier for a field stove during transport. This allows the overall package dimension of the folded portable wind barrier for a field stove to be minimized.

The most common material for the interconnected panels is steel. Galvanized steel (zinc coating), aluminum-coated sheet steel (hot dip process), or stainless steel are the most appropriate selections. As with any portable device made with steel, weight can quickly become an issue with the portable wind barrier for a field stove. Realistically, the interconnected panels are fabricated from something between 20 gauge steel (0.0359″ for sheet steel, 0.040″ for galvanized steel, and 0.0375″ for stainless steel) and 30 gauge steel (0.012″ for sheet steel, 0.016″ for galvanized steel, and 0.0125″ for stainless steel). This means that, at a maximum (20 gauge galvanized steel), the portable wind barrier for a field stove weighs 1.656 lbs/sq. ft. At a minimum (30 gauge stainless steel), the portable wind barrier for a field stove weighs approximately 0.5 lbs/sq. ft.

To be practical, the portable wind barrier for a field stove should be at least 1.5 ft (approximately 460 mm) tall, and at least 4 ft (approximately 1.2 m) long. The length would be the short edge length of each interconnected panel multiplied by the number of panels. At maximum, the portable wind barrier for a field stove should be approximately 3.0 ft, (approximately 910 mm) tall by 10 ft. (approximately 3.0 m) long. This means that the portable wind barrier for a field stove will be between 6 sq. ft. (“small”) and 30 sq. ft. (“large”) in area.

In order for the portable wind barrier for a field stove to be easily transported and moved, it needs to be a weight that is manageable for most people. A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.3 lbs. A twelve pack of beer in cans weighs about 9.8 lbs. An adult should be able to easily transport and wield something that weighs between 10 lbs. and 20 lbs. To bracket the dimensions of the portable wind barrier for a field stove, 10 lbs. of galvanized 20 gauge sheet steel is approximately 6.0 sq. ft., and 20 lbs of stainless 30 gauge sheet steel is approximately 40 sq. ft.

This means that a small portable wind barrier for a field stove can be made out of 20 gauge galvanized steel. However, a large portable wind barrier for a field stove should be made out of 30 gauge galvanized or stainless sheet steel.

The present invention clearly can be made in several embodiments by varying the number of panels, the aspect ratio of the panels, and the overall size of the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated with 8 drawings on 5 sheets.

FIG. 1 is an isometric of the present invention, a portable wind barrier for a field stove.

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of a portable wind barrier for a field stove.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portable wind barrier for a field stove.

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the portable wind barrier for a field stove, in situ.

FIG. 5 is an isolation of the coupling of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-section of a panel of the portable wind barrier for a field stove.

FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-section of a panel of the portable wind barrier for a field stove.

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of an alternative embodiment of the portable wind barrier for a field stove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions are not meant to limit the invention, but rather to add to the summary of invention, and illustrate the present invention, a portable wind barrier for a field stove. While embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described, the embodiments herein do not represent all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the descriptions, illustrations, and embodiments are intended to teach and inform without limiting the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the present invention 1 a portable wind barrier for a field stove 1. The portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 is comprised of a plurality of interconnected panels 2 with a coupling 50. In this embodiment, there are eight (8) interconnected panels 2. A minimum of three (3) interconnected panels 2 are needed in order to enclose a fire. From a practical standpoint, there should be at least six (6) interconnected panels 2 in order to manage the amount of wind normal to the face of each interconnected panel 2.

Each interconnected panel 2 has a top edge 8, a bottom edge 4 and two vertical edges 6. There are two free edges 5, 10 on the end interconnected panels. The interconnected panels 2 are attached with a plurality of hinges 9. There is one less hinge 9 than interconnected panels 2. The interconnected panels 2 have a substantially planar surface 7 with a functional image 3. The interconnected panels 2 can be positioned in relationship to one another, creating an enclosed surface, using the hinges 9.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the present invention 1 in situ. This embodiment of the present invention 1 is composed of eight (8) interconnected panels 2, which act as a barrier, blocking the fire 41 from the wind 20. The portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 can be contoured around the fire 41 by adjusting the relative position of the interconnected panels 2 using the hinges 9. The two free edges 5, 10 of the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 can be connected to each other using a connector 50, so that the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 encloses the fire 41.

A cooking vessel 34 is placed on a fire 41 rack 40. A variety of food, such as lobster 30, fish 31, chicken 32, or other food, can be cooked over the fire 41. The vessel 34 has an interior 33 and an exterior 37. The interior 33 can be filled with water. Typically, the vessel 34 is a large boiling pot 34 with handles 35. Additionally, food can be grilled directly on a rack 40 or grill. The hinges 9 allows the interconnect panel 2 configuration to be contoured to fit the needs of the particular fire 41

FIG. 5 shows an example of a connector 50, 60 to secure the two free edges 5, 10 to one another. Many types of latches and hasps can connect the two free edges 5, 10. In this embodiment, the female connector 50 has a cylinder 51 in its bottom surface 56 that accepts a rod 61. The exterior surface of the rod 62 is smaller than the interior surface of the cylinder 51, allowing the rod 61 to fit in the cylinder 51, and be captured. The male connector 60 is attached to a free edge 5, 10 of a panel 2 with a shank 63. Likewise, the female connector 50 is attached to a free edge 5, 10 of a panel with a shank 52. The male connector 50 has an exterior cylindrical surface and a top 54. The exterior cylindrical surface 55 is mated with the shank 52, shortening one side 53 of the exterior cylindrical surface 55

The interconnected panels 2 are fabricated from a material that is impervious to the temperatures generated by a field stove, such as steel. Galvanized steel (zinc coating), aluminum-coated sheet steel (hot dip process), or stainless (chromium) steel are the most appropriate materials. As with any portable device made with steel, weight can quickly become an issue with the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1. Realistically, the interconnected panels are fabricated from something between 20 gauge steel (0.0359″ for sheet steel, 0.040″ for galvanized steel, and 0.0375″ for stainless steel) and 30 gauge steel (0.012″ for sheet steel, 0.016″ for galvanized steel, and 0.0125″ for stainless steel). This means that, at a maximum (20 gauge galvanized steel), the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 weighs 1.656 lbs/sq. ft. At a minimum (30 gauge stainless steel), the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 weighs approximately 0.5 lbs/sq. ft.

To be practical, the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 should be at least 1.5 ft (approximately 460 mm) tall 6, and at least 4 ft (approximately 1.2 m) long. The length would be the edge length 8, 4 of each interconnected panel 2 multiplied by the number of panels. At maximum, the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 should be approximately 3.0 ft, (approximately 910 mm) tall 6 by 10 ft. (approximately 3.0 m) long. This means that the portable wind barrier for a field stove will be between 6 sq. ft. (“small”) and 30 sq. ft. (“large”) in area.

In order for the portable wind barrier for a field stove to be easily transported and moved, it needs to be a weight that is manageable for most people. A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.3 lbs. A twelve pack of beer in cans weighs about 9.8 lbs. An adult should be able to easily transport and wield something that weighs between 10 lbs. and 20 lbs. To bracket the dimensions of the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1, 10 lbs. of galvanized 20 gauge sheet steel is approximately 6.0 sq. ft., and 20 lbs of stainless 30 gauge sheet steel is approximately 40 sq. ft.

This means that a small portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 can be made out of 20 gauge galvanized steel. However, a large portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 should be made out of 30 gauge galvanized or stainless steel.

A certain amount of structural rigidity is created by using a larger number of interconnected panels 2. Additional structural rigidity is created by stamping or pressing the functional image 3 into the interconnected panels 2. It is well known in the sheet metal art that changing the profile of sheet steel will add significant stiffness, whether by making a groove, bump, or bend. In other words, the functional image 3 is pressed or stamped into the planar surface of each interconnected panel 2 in such a way that the functional image 3 is no longer co-planar with the rest of the planar surface 7. The functional image 3 is essentially a combination of grooves and bumps. By using images with aspect ratios that match that of the interconnected panels 2 such as a fish 3, the overall interconnected panel 2 achieves significant stiffness.

FIG. 6 shows the functional image 3 causes a bump along the long dimension of the interconnected panel 2 planar surface 7. FIG. 7 shows the function image 3 causes a bump along the short dimension of the interconnected panel 2 planar surface 7. The functional images 3 of adjacent interconnected panels 2 can be oriented so that, when the portable wind barrier for a field stove 1 is folded for transport, the functional images 3 nest into one another.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the portable wind barrier for a field stove 101. The portable wind barrier for a field stove 101 is comprised of a plurality of interconnected panels 102. In this embodiment, there are eight (8) interconnected panels 102. Each interconnected panel has a top edge 108 and a bottom edge 104. There are two free edges 105, 110 on the end interconnected panels. The interconnected panels 102 have a substantially planar surface 107 with a functional image 103. 

I claim:
 1. A portable wind barrier for a field stove comprising; a plurality of planar, rectangular interconnected panels, fabricated from an environmentally durable, heat-resistant material, each panel having two long edges, two short edges, a planar surface, and a functional image pressed into the planar surface; a plurality of hinges, connecting the interconnected panels together on the long edges; and a two-piece connector, having two pieces that can be temporarily attached to one another; wherein two of the interconnected panels, called the end panels, are hinged on only one long edge; wherein the long edge of the end panels that is not hinged is called the free edge; wherein one piece of the two-piece connector is on the free edge of one end panel, and wherein the other piece of the two-piece connector on the free edge of the other end panel; wherein the interconnected panels can be configured to surround a fire for a field stove by arranging the interconnected panels to create an enclosed surface with the fire on the interior.
 2. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein the interconnected panels are fabricated from sheet steel.
 3. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 2, wherein the interconnected panels are fabricated from steel between 20 gauge (U.S. Standard Gauge 0.0375″) and 30 gauge (U.S. Standard Gauge 0.0125″).
 4. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 3, wherein the long edge of the interconnected panels is between 1.5 ft (457.2 mm) and 3.0 ft (914.4 mm).
 5. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 4, wherein the length of the portable wind barrier for a field stove is between 4 ft. (1.219 mm) and 10 (2.54 m) ft, and wherein the length of the portable wind barrier for a field stove is calculated by multiplying the length of a short edge by the number of interconnected panels.
 6. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 5, wherein the interconnected panels are fabricated from galvanized sheet steel.
 7. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 5, wherein the interconnected panels are fabricated from stainless (chromium) sheet steel.
 8. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein the hinges are continuous (also known as piano) hinges.
 9. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein there are at least three (3) interconnected panels.
 10. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein there are at least six (6) interconnected panels.
 11. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein there are at least eight (8) interconnected panels.
 12. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 1, wherein the functional image is pressed into the planar surface of each interconnected panel so that the functional image is no longer coplanar with the rest of the planar surface of the interconnected panel.
 13. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 12, wherein the functional image is decorative.
 14. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 13, wherein the functional image is of a fish.
 15. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 13, wherein the functional image is of chicken.
 16. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 13, wherein the functional image is of a lobster.
 17. The portable wind barrier for a field stove in claim 12, wherein the functional images on adjacent interconnected panels are oriented so that when the portable wind barrier for a field stove is folded for transport, the functional images nest into one another, allowing the dimensions of the folded portable wind barrier for a field stove to be minimized. 